The city had its beginnings in 673 in the foundation of an abbey to the north of the village of Cratendune on the Isle of Ely under the protection of Saint Ethelreda, daughter of King Anna.

The magnificent cathedral of Ely, the Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity, is known as the "Ship of the Fens" and it dominates the low-lying wetland countryside called the Fens. It was started by William I in 1083 and completed in 1351, despite the collapse of the main tower in 1322, which was rebuilt as a octagonal tower. The bishopric of Ely was founded in 1109. The city took part in the Peasants' Revolt of 1381.

Oliver Cromwell lived in Ely for several years after inheriting the position of local tax collector in 1636. His former home dates to the 16th century and is now used by the Tourist Information Office as well as being a museum with rooms displayed as they would have been in Cromwell's time.

This page was last updated: 24 August 2005

Town history extracts are taken from Wikipedia and are licensed under GFDL